Position: Librarian
Location: Library of Congress (Asian and Middle Eastern Division)
Posted: USA Jobs
Salary: $68,405-88,926

This position is located in the Asian and Middle Eastern Division, Acquisitions & Bibliographic Access Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services. The position description number for this position is 457104. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Duties:

• This position is located in any of the divisions that come under the Directorate of Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access. It is a hybrid position that combines major duties from both the acquisitions specialist and the cataloger. There is a foreign language requirement for this position depending on the geographical area for which cataloging or acquisitions functions are being performed. 
• The incumbent uses a specific foreign language to perform the following duties in areas of Cataloging Services, Acquisitions Services, Analyzes and Organizes Information and Materials, Library Collections Development, Consultation and Liaison Services, and Librarian Training and Mentoring. 
• Catalogs a variety of materials in an automated cataloging environment where the bibliographic characteristics of the material are relatively easy to determine, and cataloging decisions are made within established standards. Searches entries in automated and manual catalogs. Assigns headings to catalog entries. Selects and assigns classification numbers. Establishes personal and corporate names and uniform titles for inclusion in the name authority file. Establishes and recommends subject headings for inclusion in the subject authority file and classification schedule. Creates and revises bibliographic records, authority records, and classification schedules. Performs content designation of bibliographic and authority records. Performs research in the cataloger’s reference collection, online databases, the world wide web, and the collections of the Library. Recommends resolutions to problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging process. 
• Provides services and deals with materials that are non-technical in nature, of limited technical complexity, or easily acquired. Coordinates proper purchasing information, correct bibliographic identification, and correct coding in the information system. Contacts dealers, subscription agents, vendors, overseas offices, government agencies, and/or exchange partners to coordinate the order process. Consults acquisitions reference material to determine whether recommended item is appropriate for purchase, copyright claim, exchange, gift, loan, or other type of acquisition. Examines recommendations for acquisition to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify acquisition of out-of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with recommending officials and subject specialists to understand their needs. Consults acquisitions reference material to determine whether recommended item is appropriate for purchase. Reviews and approves invoices for payment for all formats of material. Determines availability of funds. 
• Obtains, analyzes, and organizes information using standard reference tools and established techniques and practices. Analyzes and organizes standard subject data to determine its relationship to the existing collections, for preferred access points and the need for additional access points.  Analyzes material to determine subject content. Applies standard rules, guidelines, and reference tools and established techniques and practices. Participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements to cataloging-related issues. 
• Uses standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments related to collection development support, with review by supervisor, senior staff and/or recommending officers. Assists in examination of incoming shipments to select items appropriate for the collections, in accordance with established guidelines. Assists in examination of recommendations for acquisition to identify processing and custodial requirements, and to ensure conformity with established guidelines. Participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements to collection development policies. 
• Works to maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information. Consults with the supervisor and cataloging policy staff to recommend changes and additions in descriptive and subject cataloging rules. Offers suggestions and advice to the supervisor on operational and technical problems. Collaborates with the supervisor and other staff in planning and implementing team activities including workflow procedures, team priorities, cataloging projects of an experimental nature, goal setting and strategies for meeting team production goals. Assists others inside and outside the Library with language, subject and cataloging problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Qualifications: Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

• Knowledge of classical Tibetan and other Indic languages, and Buddhism. **
• Ability to read, understand, and transliterate classical Tibetan and other Indic languages. **
• Knowledge of cataloging rules and ability to catalog and research library materials. **
• Ability to use library software applications, integrated library platforms, and other information technologies.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships and provide consultation and liaison services.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education: All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.

• A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor’s degree; OR
• B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
• In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience: GS- 9: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master’s in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.